Bra fitting & lingerie advice – Bra Doctor's Blog | by Now That's Lingeriehttp://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog
Lingerie & Fashion Tips from Celine & friendsThu, 17 Aug 2017 10:39:10 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.369387626The Workout Gear You Need Mosthttp://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/the-workout-gear-you-need-most/2014/07/29
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/the-workout-gear-you-need-most/2014/07/29#respondTue, 29 Jul 2014 15:05:08 +0000http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=8430Whether you prefer to hit the trails for a hike or do a round of strength training in the gym, amping up your exercise routine is key for you to look and feel your best during beach season. Regardless of size or shape, every little bit helps and that includes getting the right gear for your workout. To help kickstart your exercise routine we’ve rounded up our favourite bra-fitting tips to keep your ladies in line as your heart rate stays up all summer long.

Match your bra to your workout

Almost as important as getting out and exercising is making sure your girls have the right amount of support for whatever your workout may be. Just as every woman is different, so too are her workouts so it’s important to have a few different bras on-hand. For example, Monday’s free flowing yoga session may not require as much support as Thursday’s five-mile run. Smaller cups should try a racerback bra like Les Essentiels Cotton Racer-back Sports Bra by Elita for a lower impact workout. Larger breasts or a high impact workout may require you to switch to a bra like the Tri Action Underwired Sports Bra by Triumph for maximum support as you push your limits and meet new goals.

Size matters

When it comes to the right bra for your workout, size matters. Recent stats from Nike suggest that almost half of Canadian women have never been sized for a bra and of those that have, 80% are wearing the wrong size. A proper fitting sports bra can make all the difference in how you exercise as well as how your body and adapts to a workout. Improper posture, back, neck and shoulder pain and even leg pain or improper technique can all be the result of a sports bra that is the wrong size and thus offers little support.

The larger your breasts are, the more support you may need, but that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or style. According to FitnessMagazine.com, the average A cup travels about an inch and a half in each direction, while a D cup will bounce two or three times that. For example, a woman with a size 38D chest who loves running may feel like she’s flying in the wind with a single sports bra. In reality, there is no reason why any size woman shouldn’t be able to run with just one bra. Larger chested divas should opt for a high support bra like Nike’s new Pro Rival.

Give your bra a trail run

Nike Pro Rival Bra via Nike.com

When trying on any sports bra keep these tips in mind:

Do three to five jump squats to test how the bra might fare mid-stride, jump or Zumba spin. Standing with your feet hip width apart, squat down with your butt low but so that your knees aren’t over your toes. Then jump up and return to your starting position. Take note of how the bra felt during the jumps and if you needed to adjust your breasts into the cups of the bra post-jump.

Try two to three standing oblique twists. Start with your hands extended to either side then rotate at the hip, alternating from side to side. Check again for any shimmying you may need to do post-exercise to settle your breasts back into place.

Move around in place, swinging your arms front to back while being mindful of any rubbing. At around two miles this could lead to uncomfortable chafing or a rash – especially in the heat of summer. If it rubs, swap for a different size or try on a different style that may not have additional or textured fabric under the arms.

Need bra fitting help? Ask Celine, our Bra Doctor with over 25 years of experience in the lingerie industry. Email her at bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com.

Do you have any tips to finding the perfect sports bra? What’s your favorite way to work out? Let us know in the comments below or tell us on Twitter and Facebook.

]]>http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/the-workout-gear-you-need-most/2014/07/29/feed08430Bridal Shapewear for Every Silhouettehttp://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/blog-updates/bridal-shapewear-for-every-silhouette/2014/03/24
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/blog-updates/bridal-shapewear-for-every-silhouette/2014/03/24#respondMon, 24 Mar 2014 12:00:38 +0000http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=7588Note: This guide is a must for any bride-to-be! (Share with your bridesmaids too!)

Brides may think all eyes are on the gorgeous train of their wedding dress as they float down the aisle.

In fact, what guests are really checking out is the bride’s caboose, along with the rest of her fabulous figure. With the bridal derriere and the whole package on display in such a big way, ladies can take their cue from celebrities like Katherine Heigl, who shared with Oprah that she happily wore shapewear under her wedding dress.

The key is choosing the perfect bridal shapewear that works best with your specific wedding dress silhouette, whether it’s full and flouncy, trim and fitted, or somewhere in between. With today’s amazing array of shaping undergarments to match the contours of any profile, every bride can feel beautiful, comfortable and totally sexy, from the moment she says “I Do” until she’s whisked away to the bridal boudoir by her new hubby.

Belle of the Ball

With a flattering silhouette covering any troubles below the waistline, the “fairy tale” or ballroom dress flares at the waist into a full, poofy skirt. Often featuring a Basque cut that cinches in tightly at the navel to the top of the hips in a low V silhouette, the ballroom gown calls for an extra-high waisted shaping panty to slim the upper and lower tummy, and smooth any love handles or muffin top. The BH1206High-Waisted Shaping Panty by Body Hush is a knight in shining armour for fairy tale brides, with high-tech compression technology to slim and tone where it’s needed most. Check out the rest of our Shapewear by Body Hush.

Princess for a Day: A-Line

Like ballroom gowns, the ever-popular A-Line or “princess” style wedding dress also nips in at the waist and flows out to the ground more subtly, like the outline of an uppercase “A”. Offering coverage above the navel, The 568 Cool Sensation High Waisted Seamless Shaping Pantyby Triumph Lingerie gives seamless mid-torso contouring and has semi-sheer lace along the sides for an extra sensual twist. Every princess bride can waltz, tango and disco the night away in cool comfort with this panty’s innovative moisture-wicking Nurel Xtra Dry fabric.

Sheathes, Trumpets and Mermaids

Not for the faint of heart, sheath, trumpet and mermaid styles are the most body-hugging of wedding dresses. While sheath gowns are snuggly fitted from top to floor, mermaids are fitted to the knee then flare out to the floor, and trumpet dresses hug the body and flare from mid-thigh dramatically. These form-fitting silhouettes cry out for a seamless, high-quality shaping dress slip to ensure a smooth and streamlined hourglass figure, like the gorgeous BH1502 Glamour Matte And Shine Wyob Shaping Slip by Body Hush.As a Wear Your Own Bra body shaper, you can pair this Shaping Slipup with your bridal bra and feel lifted in the bodice. Browse through the rest of the Glamour Matte And Shine Collection by Body Hush. Also, check out our blog, Bridal Bras For Every Sizeto find the perfect bra for pairing with your shapewear.

Bridal Empress

The vintage empress cut is a lovely alternative to the popular form-fitting and full-skirted bridal gowns. With a waistline as high up as right below the bust and a loose fitted skirt that cascades to the floor, an empire silhouette camouflages everything south of the bodice. The classy and sophisticated 464 Easy Fit High-Waisted Control Briefby Grenier Lingerie offers a control panel that smooths all the way to under the breasts for high-waisted empresses, and has non-constricting leg openings.

Short and Sassy

Brides who dare to rock a short-skirted dress can try a shaping half-slip. For under a dress that showcases those gorgeous stems, the 13390 Shapewear Basic Seamless Half-Slip by Cybelefits discreetly above the knee and gives coverage where you need it (you can also ask your seamstress to incorporate it into your dress, or just to hem it to fit the hem of your dress). The very high Lycra content of the fabric provides amazing support and a sleek and seamless silhouette, giving brides who go mini-style all the more reason to glow with joy.

All-In-One for Everyone

For a wonderful all-purpose shaper to go with just about any dress silhouette, with the exception of strapless styles, try theBH1501 Seamless All-In-One Body Shaper by Body Hush. This beauty takes care of a multitude of trouble spots including tummy, waist, love handles and thighs with the added perk of a bum lift. It works with any well-fitted bra style to give a nice push-up effect up top.

Don’t forget to wear your cherished bridal shapewearto each and wedding dress fitting! Your dress should always be fitted according to the contours your shapewear creates, giving you a more accurate idea of what you will look like on your wedding day. Take a peek at our Bra Doctor blog, The New Look of Shapewear for even more information on the magic of shaping undergarments.

]]>http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/blog-updates/bridal-shapewear-for-every-silhouette/2014/03/24/feed07588New Video! How To Fix Uneven Breastshttp://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/new-video-how-to-fix-uneven-breasts/2013/07/31
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/new-video-how-to-fix-uneven-breasts/2013/07/31#commentsWed, 31 Jul 2013 20:14:24 +0000http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=6559Today’s video covers a very important topic: asymmetrical breasts! We know how important it can be to talk about uneven breasts, because it’s the feature of one of our most popular blogs, Nurture Your Nature: How to Fix Uneven Breasts. So popular that we had to do a video about it so you can see firsthand some of the bra pads and strategies mentioned in that blog.

The topic of uneven boobs can be very sensitive because most women don’t want to discuss or admit that they may have uneven breasts. The reality is that many women have uneven breasts and most are unaware that they do! The difference between our breasts can range from a slight discrepancy which is barely noticeable, to a full two-cup size difference or even more. As humans, we’re not 100% symmetrical. There will always be one foot that doesn’t quite fit the shoe the same way as your other foot.

Firstly, remember to ALWAYS wear a bra for your larger cup size. For example, if you wear a B cup on one side and a C cup on the other, ALWAYS buy a bra for the C cup. Don’t try and squeeze your larger breast into a bra that doesn’t fit. Buy a bra for the larger breast and fill out the smaller side with a bra pad or removable cookie!

Now a bit about the pads we feature in this video:

The fabric Add-A-Size is great for A to C cup sizes and offers an instant natural lift. The Glam silicone bra inserts are for women wearing A to B cups that are looking to add an extra cup size. There is thicker silicone around the nipple area for extra coverage and for a more enhanced lift. The Sculpt silicone bra pad is for C-E cup sizes. This is a much fuller silicone and helps give a natural round shape. Lastly, the Bra Doctor silicone bra pads are good for A to F cups. The insert moulds to your breast, giving a very natural lift. These are best used for small differences in cup sizes.

I hope the video helps you fix your uneven breasts, and please let me know if you have any more questions.

]]>http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/new-video-how-to-fix-uneven-breasts/2013/07/31/feed16559Video: Common Bra Fitting Problems For Smaller Boobshttp://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/common-bra-fitting-problems-for-smaller-boobs/2013/07/22
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/common-bra-fitting-problems-for-smaller-boobs/2013/07/22#respondMon, 22 Jul 2013 16:38:09 +0000http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=6442Regardless of your cup size, there are always things to look out for when trying to find the perfect fit! My new vlog is about the Top 5 most common bra fitting problems that women with smaller breasts often experience. Some ladies may mistakenly think that just because a woman has smaller boobs, she’ll encounter fewer problems, but this is definitely not the case!

If you’ve encountered bra fitting issues like too much space in your bra cups, pain from your underwired bra, your bra back riding up, your bra straps falling off your shoulders, or a lack of cleavage whether you’re wearing a bra or not, then this vlog is for YOU!!! Please share my vlog with your friends who you know have their share of bra fitting troubles! I hope you all enjoy my new video! Click here or on the image below to watch.

Have you encountered any of these problems? If you have any questions or comments, please write below or comment on Facebook or Twitter.

]]>http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/common-bra-fitting-problems-for-smaller-boobs/2013/07/22/feed06442Bra Size Phobia: Why Some Women Can’t Accept Their True Sizehttp://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/bra-fitting-advice/bra-size-phobia-why-some-women-cant-accept-their-true-size/2013/05/28
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/bra-fitting-advice/bra-size-phobia-why-some-women-cant-accept-their-true-size/2013/05/28#commentsTue, 28 May 2013 17:05:32 +0000http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=6222 Why are over 90% of women wearing the wrong bra size? Is it because they aren’t getting fitted properly, or are there other reasons?

Just the other day, my best friend called me in a panic. She had gone bra shopping at a local department store and was so angry about her ill-fitting bras! The saleslady did not fit her properly, so my friend ended up with four new bras that just did not fit. My friend called me for bra fitting advice, knowing that I’m in the lingerie industry and can help answer some of her questions. I already knew what the problem was, and though the bra saleswoman at the department store was not capable of helping my friend, ultimately my friend herself was the greatest barrier to finding her proper bra size.

The last time I went bra shopping with my friend, she kept insisting that she was a 36D… which clearly (to me at least) she wasn’t. When I informed her that she was more like a 34DD or 34E (depending on the brand and style), she was in denial, saying “I can’t be that big, that’s huge!” I wanted to convince her that this was a false perception of the way bra sizing works. I tried to tell her that it was more important for her to wear the right bra size (and feel comfortable and confident) than to care what size it says on the label of her bra. Yet still, she refused to accept that she truly needed to wear a DD or bigger.

Ck1801 Daily Boost Microfiber Balcony Bra By Curvy Kate

Since this wasn’t the first bigger-chested friend I’d tried to help with her bra size, I started to wonder…. Why is it that some women with larger breasts don’t want to admit that they need a bigger size, even if it means it’s their true size?

I think part of the blame should be directed to lingerie retailers like Victoria’s Secret and La Senza who only make bras up to a DD cup… and their bras are so padded that even the DD cups are too small for a woman who needs an actual DD cup. FACT: The alphabet for bra sizes does not end at a DD!!! Just because Victoria’s Secret bras do not go higher than a DD, this doesn’t mean that nothing exists after a DD! Women try to fit into these bras, feeling defective because even their biggest bras don’t fit, or are told by inexperienced salespeople that they are MEANT to spill out of their bras (just to make a sale). This is extremely unfair to women because many are squishing themselves into a bra which is extremely uncomfortable and ill fitting. Not to mention that these are the same women who end up not wearing these bras in the end, because they are so uncomfortable – what a waste of time, energy and money!

The other part of the blame, however, has to do with some women’s “bra tag angst”, which I mean to refer to this phenomenon: refusing to try on or own a certain bra size because it makes them feel “too big”. Sure, this sounds counter-intuitive to the rest of us ladies who WANT to wear the right size no matter what it is, but it’s a fact. I know ladies who outright REFUSED to buy a bra in an F cup or G cup because it made them feel like they were too big… even if they had finally found their true bra size.

I think some of the reason some women can’t accept their true bra size also has to do with misinformation or lack of information. It’s a MYTH that just because you take a bigger cup size, you’re relegated to wearing “granny bras”. Yes, I’ve been a victim of this mentality myself but there is no need to worry anymore! Lots of quality companies like Curvy Kate, Change of Scandinavia and Royce Lingerie are making sexy, comfortable and supportive bras in bigger sizes, like DD, E, F, G, GG, H, HH, I, J, and K cups! Take a look at the beautiful bra to the left – do you think this sexy style is something your grandma would have worn? I think not!

When you wear a bra that properly fits, it can change your life! I know this sounds a little dramatic but I promise I’m not lying. I was living with the wrong bra size for so many years! I’m EXTREMELY guilty of the ‘quad-boob’ effect. For a long time I didn’t want to believe that my real size was a 34DDD, roughly equivalent to a 32G. My friends would ask me my size all the time, and I used to be very embarrassed… who wants to say they can fit into a G size bra?

Our Bra Doctor Celine made me realize that your bra size is ONLY a number and a letter (or two or three letters). The band size is a number, and the letter represents the cup size. It doesn’t represent who you are. She pointed out that 30G size bra cups are actually smaller than the bra cups of a 40D bra! Is your mind blown? Celine told me that as you reduce the back band size, the cup size increases by one (so, a 32D is roughly equivalent to a 34C cup, a 36B cup, etc.). A 30G cup size, then, is more like the cup size of a 38D bra. The major difference of course is that a 38 would be way too big in the back for someone who has a small rib cage and needs a 30.

I remember when I first put on a bra that fit properly, thanks to our Bra Doctor, I think I may have shed a tear of joy. All those years of suffering and stuffing my boobs into something obviously too small in front and too big in back, my days of ill-fitting bras were over! Wearing the right size just feels SO much better, way better than thinking of my boobs all day and constantly having to fix them within my bra. The buttons on my blouse used to sometimes pop open because my bra was just pushing them to the front and made me feel and look bigger than I actually was. Now I stand just a little taller, my boobs feel weightless and my clothes fit SO much better! I no longer have to shove my hands into my bra and readjust my breasts in my bra to feel support and lift. Thanks to our Bra Doctor, I feel CONFIDENT in my bras, my clothes and my body.

Ladies, embrace your real size and don’t be worried about what the bra tag says! Don’t be in denial any more! No matter what bra size you take, you’re still the same person, are you not? The only difference is your boobs are FINALLY being held up right! If your bra size bothers you that much, cut the tags off your bra, and get on with your life because now you can confidently enjoy having amazing perky boobs in a supportive, properly fitting bra! Need I say more?

If you want to find YOUR true size, let us help you! We’ve been specially trained by Celine our Bra Doctor, who has over 25 years of bra fitting experience, to help target your bra fitting problems and identify the proper size and style for your unique needs and tastes! Feel free to comment below, find us on Facebook or Twitter, email us at bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com or call toll-free (US & Canada) 1-855-521-4244.

Why are wire-free bras becoming more popular? Should I be wearing a wire-free bra? If you’ve ever asked yourself or someone else one of these questions, this blog is for you!

Does it surprise you to know that wire-free bras have become increasingly popular these days? Even though it may seem that almost every bra on the market has underwire and at least some kind of padding, there has been a marked increase in demand for bras without underwires. At least, that’s a trend I can say is very true for our customers at Now That’s Lingerie. We’ve recently added a new brand to our roster, Royce Lingerie, because this UK-based company specializes in wire-free bras. Royce bras are perfect for every day, but they also have specialty bras for mastectomy, post-surgery, nursing, sports and more. And again, these Royce bras are ALL wire-free, with styles in an inclusive size range of A to K cups.

A lot of women I speak to seem to want to abandon their underwires because they’re “sick of them” and they’re “uncomfortable“. I won’t try to say that underwires are for everyone; some women don’t enjoy wearing them, and that’s fine, because there’s a wide range of other wire-free options available. But I hope women are making sure that if they do switch to wire-free bras, it’s just as important to ensure you’re wearing the right bra size. If your size isn’t right, then you won’t be optimally comfortable, no matter whether you’re wearing underwires or not. And truly, I’ve met lots of ladies who I have even converted from wire-free to underwired bras – a key example to show that you can be comfortable in any bra, as long as your size and style are right for YOU.

When purchasing a wire-free bra, there are many things to consider, but most important are your needs and reasons for wanting to wear a wire-free bra, especially if you’ve worn underwired bras for years. I receive lots of questions about wireless bras from women, so I’m sharing some of them with you below to help steer you in the right direction. Which describes you best? (Contact me anytime with your bra fitting questions – I’d love to help you!)

I wear a DD cup, and I’m fed up of the red marks I get whenever I wear underwire! Will a bra without underwire be better for me?

Serenade Grenier Soft Cup Wireless Bra By Grenier Lingerie

It sounds like a new bra size would be better for you! If you’re getting red marks on your body from wearing your bra, whether from digging or friction, you are most definitely not wearing the right size. Of course, it may seem like the underwire is the culprit, but the fact is that a comfortable underwired bra in the proper style and size for you would be as good an option as a wire-free bra. If you do decide to go with a wire-free bra, make sure you get one with full support to secure your generous bust.

I’m pregnant and all of my underwires seem to be digging into me! I’m so uncomfortable. Should I switch to a wire-free bra until after my baby is born?

Congratulations! Welcome to the pregnant woman’s chaotic world of ill-fitting clothing and lingerie. I always suggest a full support wire-free bra to my pregnant friends and customers, because your size may change often, and a wire-free bra will reduce any potential pressure on your mammary glands caused by too-tight underwires. However, make sure you are wearing the right size, because it’s no good to wear a wire-free bra that’s too small and squishes you, either!

A wire-free bra with inside pockets, lined inside in breathable fibers like cotton or bamboo should definitely be at the top of your list. Usually I recommend wearing a slightly lined or padded bra to minimize any possibility of your prosthesis showing, and helps even out your shape.

I am having breast enhancement surgery and my doctor recommended a specialty wire-free bra to wear post-surgery. Is this absolutely necessary?

The jury is still out on this one, believe it or not! It is quite difficult to get a consensus among plastic surgeons on this topic. Some have their patients wear a cotton wrap/bandeau just to cover the incisions. Other surgeons say to wear a wire-free bra post-surgery, but there is even a debate on whether a sports bra will compress the breasts too much. Some doctors even allow their patients to wear underwire within a short period after recovery. Ask your surgeon or a doctor you trust. Overall, it seems that there is a middle ground. I suggest wearing a comfortable, moderately supportive wireless bra after a breast augmentation, because it may help reduce jiggle, which can in turn feel pretty uncomfortable when your breasts are swollen.

I have a large bust and need a wire-free bra that will support me when I exercise. Should I wear a bra with another sports bra on top for extra support?

Impact Free Wireless Sports Bra Full Support By Royce Lingerie

I don’t recommend doubling up on your athletic bras! One fully supportive bra designed for sports and for larger busts should suffice! Look for seaming on the cups to shape your breasts and reduce bounce. I really like the Royce Impact Free Sports Bra because in addition to a wide hook and eye closure in back, the back is also reinforced with a cushioned Velcro panel and the straps are cushioned and wide to comfortably deliver support.

I feel most comfortable wearing a bra when I sleep. Is it normal to wear a bra to sleep?

Every woman is different. Some ladies feel like wearing a bra to bed helps reduce the squishing together, which can be uncomfortable especially for bigger breasts, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that (as long as the bra fits, wear it!). I’ve also heard a few women say that they wore a sleep bra to prevent the sagging of the skin between their breasts. Sure, that can certainly help! If you are going to wear a bra to sleep, I definitely don’t recommend a bra with underwire – a wire-free bra will offer you better circulation and superior comfort. (PS.. I’ll share a beauty tip with you – a great way to keep your between-breast area looking firm as long as possible is to sleep on your back so your breasts don’t squish together, and moisturizing always helps too!)

I am very petite (I’m an A or small B cup) and have no real need for bras, except that I don’t like when my nipples show through my tops. Is there such thing as a padded bra without underwire?

Elements Of Bliss Wire Free Bra By Warners Lingerie

Absolutely, and they aren’t all extremely padded either. You can get a nice wire-free padded bra like any of the styles from the Elements of Bliss collection from Warner’s, not too padded, perfect for petites who don’t want to have too much padding, because these bras will help keep your nipples invisible under your clothes. But you can also try a wire-free bra without padding first, because often this will help minimize the visibility of your nipples too.

I’m nursing, but I don’t want to wear one of those big scary bras while I nurse! Do you have any styles that you can suggest to me?

Recently, I recommended the Lauren nursing bra by Royce to a full-busted friend of mine, and when she tried it on she was impressed not only with how flattering the fit was, but also how comfy she was! She couldn’t believe that a bra that comfortable could make her feel like such a sexy mama!

I’m an A cup and want to make my small breasts look bigger, but I don’t like underwires. What styles should I try?

You can get an incredible push-up and add a size to your bustline with some padded push-up wire-free bras. Some of them come in ultra-fun prints, like the retro polka-dot Star Secret padded bralette by Blush.

I hope the answers to these popular questions gave you some insight into how convenient wire-free bras can be! I think it’s fine to wear underwire, as long as your bra is the right size and you’re feeling comfortable. It’s your choice to go wire-free, and if you do, you can look forward a wider range of wireless bra sizes, styles and colors available for you more and more often in the coming seasons. And yes, you can definitely wear a wire-free bra and get comparable support to an underwired version.

]]>http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/bra-fitting-advice/why-women-are-going-wire-free-how-you-can-too/2013/02/19/feed195871To Bra or Not to Bra…http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/to-bra-or-not-to-bra/2012/09/12
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/to-bra-or-not-to-bra/2012/09/12#commentsWed, 12 Sep 2012 17:23:31 +0000http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=4673To Bra or Not to Bra

Just the other day, I was sitting on a picnic bench, enjoying the sun, until I was rudely interrupted by a braless woman walking by. After controlling my immediate reaction of horror, I took a closer look. Her chest was staring at me, in a not-so-flattering way. She bounced and pointed right by me.

I asked myself, “did she do that on purpose or does she genuinely not care?” I don’t believe that any woman in this entire world, with average sized breasts, can feel sincerely comfortable out on a hot day, not wearing a bra. I couldn’t help asking myself why. This got me thinking, “why do some women do this?” Do they enjoy the feeling or being ‘free,’ or do they just not know how to find a well fitted and comfortable bra? I think it’s the latter.

Christina Ricci Braless

Being a busty girl myself, I have NEVER felt comfortable without a bra, except for maybe when I was a child and had no boobs. Even when I go to bed, I have to stuff something in the middle while I lie on my side, to feel like they’re not flopping together. I’ve always been jealous of women that can get away with not wearing a bra, but do they really enjoy the bare feeling?

Between the pinching and the pulling and drowning in your bra, discomfort comes in many forms. After years of wearing badly/poorly fitted bras, my life changed after getting a bra fitting by NTL’s Bra Doctor®, Celine. No Victoria’s Secret nonsense. I personally believe that if every single woman in the world (cup size AAA-ZZZ) had a comfortable fitting bra, no one would ever go braless in public again.

Welcome back to our Blog! Today, we wanted to talk to you about Confidence.

We all know that the right outfit can make you feel confident and sexy but not if you are wearing the wrong bra. What we wear under our clothes is just as important, if not more so, than our fabulous outfits.

Think about it… A gorgeous strapless dress that keeps falling/sliding off your petite chest or boobs coming out from every angle of your cute (but tight) tank top. Wearing the right bra can make all the difference.

Whether you need more volume up top or you need to tame your wild ones, there is a bra for every shape and size that will make you feel confident and beautiful.

Here is a video on the type of bras that make us feel confident and on top of the world. Hope you enjoy it!

]]>http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/confidence-vlog/2012/09/10/feed245985 Ways to Love Your Body (and Your Lingerie)http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/5-ways-to-love-your-body-and-your-lingerie/2012/01/10
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/5-ways-to-love-your-body-and-your-lingerie/2012/01/10#commentsTue, 10 Jan 2012 18:59:27 +0000http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=3937With everyone trying to live up to their New Year’s Resolutions, and the doldrums of cold weather putting a damper on everything, it’s a good time to remind everyone of different ways to get excited about your lingerie AND your body. Follow these tips to rejuvenate your wardrobe and your spirits!

It sounds so simple, but it’s something that so many women struggle with every day. The best way to feel better about both your body and your lingerie is to get rid of everything that doesn’t fit and replace it with garments that do. If your weight or body shape has changed recently, it’s a great idea to get refitted – some experts say that cup and back size can change often, and you should get fitted at least every six months! (Click here to read How Often Should I Renew My Bras? By Bra Doctor).

Try A New Style

The winter blues are a great excuse to slip into something more stunning, fun, and sexy; but even just changing up the basics of your lingerie wardrobe will add some excitement to your day. Have you always worn briefs? Try an equally comfortable but booty-emphasizing boy short. Always worn cotton bras? See what a lacy bra does for you. Go for a navy blue or purple bra instead of your traditional black. Even trading a basic for another basic will spice up your closet and give you different silhouettes to play with.

Sizzle in this curve-flattering Marilyn lace bustier by Arianne!

Emphasize Your Assets

This is the time of year when everyone freaks about their bodies and goes into over-drive trying to get into their best shape before spring (and later bathing suit season) arrives. Because of this, it’s also a good time to remember all the things you love about your body, and find ways of emphasizing the aspects you love with lingerie and clothing. An hourglass shape looks great with a corset, like the Marilyn Lace Bustier Bra by Arianne Lingerie, and the structure hides a tummy. A short robe, like the Decadence Satin Kimono by Blush Lingerie, will highlight long legs, especially in a pair of high heels. Feeling good about your assets will help you shift the focus from any insecurities you may have.

Out with the Old, in with the New

Even changing the colour of your basics can be mood-altering.

Are you the kind of person who wears underwear until there are holes in them? Do you keep bras that are extremely stretched out because you might have to wear them on “laundry day”, or own several pairs of old jeans you’re keeping around just in case you decide to paint your bedroom? Honestly, it’s finally time to get rid of them. I myself suffer from holding on to clothing too long – I’ve thought many times “No one can see the holes but me”… until of course I go to the gym. Worn-out clothing doesn’t make you feel good, and keeping items that you’ll never wear again just overwhelms your mind and your closet. Donate them or trash them, and spend time finding new clothing that you’ll actually enjoy wearing. Read about how you can recycle your bras to make someone else feel good, too.

Wrap yourself in luxury in this short satin Decadence kimono by Blush.

Spend Time in the Good Stuff

It’s fun to have fancy, exciting lingerie, but it’s less fun if it stuck in the back of the drawer all the time.

Fancy lingerie is often the most expensive, yet often these are the pieces we wear the least (maybe for the sake of preserving them). So spend some time in your best lingerie, either relaxing around the house, going out for a night on the town, or even heading to work. You know you feel great in it, so why not wear it around? It’ll feel like a special, sexy secret that will have you glowing. And nothing is sexier than confidence.

]]>http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/fashion-advice/5-ways-to-love-your-body-and-your-lingerie/2012/01/10/feed13937Minimizershttp://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/uncategorized/minimizers/2011/06/06
http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/uncategorized/minimizers/2011/06/06#commentsMon, 06 Jun 2011 17:21:53 +0000http://www.nowthatslingerie.com/bradoctor/blog/?p=1955Calling all fuller-figured ladies! If you take a DD cup or more as a bra size, then a minimizer bra could be an essential fashion addition to your lingerie drawer! A good minimizer will successfully give the impression of a smaller bust by acting as a sort of ‘shapewear for the breasts”, giving you an attractive, sleek, upper body silhouette.

An example of “over-spill”

The main advantages of wearing this type of bra is that you avoid “over-spill” (bulge over the neckline of your bra) and ‘gaping button syndrome”, so your clothes will look and feel better, and make you look thinner and younger too! . They work by compressing and de-emphasizing the breasts using a combination of power-stretch fabrics, molding and cut. They’re designed to fit snugly and securely.

The underbust band and straps are the most important structural parts of this type of bra since they take the majority of the weight. Wider, padded straps and a leotard (“U”) back increase comfort and reduce the dreaded back bulge (plus help avoid “falling strap syndrome”). The cups are usually either wireless using seamed and molded panels to lift the breasts, or underwired with fully molded (contour) cups. It’s important that the fabrics used in minimizer bras have a powerful amount of stretch and excellent recovery, since they’re required to compress without “slackening” and for the elasticity to not be compromised by frequent washing. Another thing too, it helps if the cups are made from satin to eliminate any “sticking ” or “bunching up” of your clothing during the day.

The 5363 Minimizer Wireless Bra from Naturana

With the newest minimizer bras, the construction is very similar in principle to sports bras, so a bra manufacturer who is known for their minimizers will usually also produce an excellent line of sports bras and full support bras. One such manufacturer is Naturana Lingerie. They have a gorgeous and extensive minimizer range at Now That’s Lingerie as well as a great range of sports bras. Take a look at their 5363 & 5063 Minimizer Wireless Bra and it’s matching 0063 & 0017 High Rise Medium Full Control Panty Girdle available in four satin colours and two floral satin jacquards. Also in this range are two other great bra shapes – the 7363 Minimizer Bra (an underwired, moulded version) and the 5663 Minimizer Front Opening Bra.

Sheer Tapestry Minimizer Bra by Olga Lingerie

Olga Lingerie’s 35984C Sheer Tapestry Minimizer is a sleek, seamless bra which claims to reduce bust projection by up to 1 inch! This underwired, moulded bra in pretty floral jacquard has built up straps and a wide back band for added comfort.